When it comes to studying the Bible, I always want to go deeper. My problem: I’m no Greek or Hebrew scholar. That’s one of the reasons I get so excited every time I open Logos 5. So much original-language research is done for me, I can instantly understand more.

I’ve been studying biblical thanksgiving lately. One place this study takes me is Psalm 136, where the psalmist pens 26 lines of gratitude to the Lord, “For his lovingkindness is everlasting.”

I look it up in my favorite Bible. Since I’m doing a little original-language digging, I’ll go ahead and turn on my reverse interlinear—it’s the table at the bottom of this image.

This entire psalm is encouraging the reader to give thanks to the Lord, who has shown lovingkindness to Israel through creation, delivering them from Egypt, bringing them to the Promised Land, and sustaining them. The psalmist closes by echoing the beginning: “Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his lovingkindness is everlasting.”

If it’s so important that I “give thanks,” Ineed to know what it means!

This is where the Bible Word Study tool comes in. I right-click “thanks” and pull up more information about the Hebrew lemma. Then I run a Bible Word Study.

The Bible Word Study guide fetches the word’s definitions from my lexicons and dictionaries, and shows me how this word, ydh, is translated across my Bible.

So I learn that giving thanks to the Lord is more than saying “thank you” to God. It’s also an acknowledgement of who he is and what he has done. In the case of Psalm 136, it makes sense: acknowledge that the Lord has done incredible things for his people, and thank him, for his lovingkindness is everlasting.

But I want to go deeper. I want to find examples of this kind of thanksgiving.

With Logos 5, I’m able to take a look at other biblical words that share this root.

I see that there are 32 uses of the similar toda(h), which is a sacrifice, song of thanksgiving, etc. That’s interesting. I click the Hebrew word, and Logos 5 runs another Bible Word Study!

I can explore the definitions to see that this thankful song of praise to God was an act of worship that proclaimed his mighty works. Also, the word is used for songs like Psalm 100.

. . . which gives me a fine place to keep exploring as I study biblical thanksgiving this November!

And with the new root data in Logos 5, you can do deeper word studies like this, too!

“Exegesis” sounds like a technical and abstract idea, but at its core, it’s quite simple.

Exegesis is drawing meaning from what the Scripture says.

Exegesis is going to the Bible to understand what it meant when it was written, and letting the author’s intent govern the way the Bible is interpreted. Exegesis can involve highly technical language analysis, but it doesn’t have to. In fact, you can do it right now.

What Is Exegesis? Watch How It Works!

Let’s try out some exegesis on Luke 17:11–19, where we see Jesus cleansing ten lepers, but only one thanks him. We start by looking the passage up in Logos 5.

A big part of exegesis is answering the question, “What did the author want to get across?” We see in Luke 1:1–4 and Acts 1:1–2 that this book is intended to be an exact account of Jesus’ acts and teachings, so we need to see what Jesus says and does in this passage:

Jesus cleanses ten lepers.

Only one comes back to glorify God and give thanks.

Jesus commends the thankful one.

Now that we’ve covered the elementary stuff, we can start doing exegesis, right? Well, actually, we’ve already started. We determined some of what the text means by letting it speak for itself—that’s what exegesis is.

Now Let’s Try the Exegetical Guide

We can exegete this text as deeply as we want with the Exegetical Guide. First, I right-click “giving thanks” in verse 16 and select “Exegetical Guide.”

This fetches all my grammars, apparatuses, and visualizations, plus a word-by-word breakdown of verse 16. I just want to see what “giving thanks” means, so I’ll find it in the breakdown:

We can see that “giving thanks” refers to being thankful, or feeling obligated to thank. Thankfulness via obligation? That doesn’t sound so good to me at first.

But when I open BDAG (a lexicon, or cross-language dictionary), I see that the word εὐχαριστέω was a diplomatic term: the party on the receiving end of a favor would assure the other party of their goodwill. In the New Testament, this word is almost exclusively used for giving thanks to God (exception: Romans 16:4).

And with Logos 5, I can also look up any New Testament word’s syntactic force, or how syntax determines its function. This is kind of nuts-and-boltsy, but sometimes we can learn what the text is saying by looking at both what a word means and how it’s used.

Great—it’s a participle showing manner. But what does that mean? Well, I get the definition on hover.

By looking at the syntactic force, I see that the leper’s actions took on a tone of returning goodwill to the Lord who just healed him.

What’s my attitude of thankfulness? Do I just carry on, happy to be blessed, or do I turn it into an opportunity to glorify God?

Do I even feel obligated to thank him?

Exegesis may sound purely academic, but it can lead you to ask life-changing questions.

What Is Exegesis? It’s Something You Can Do!

The Exegetical Guide is certainly one of my favorite tools in Logos 5, and it may be yours, too. You can get all the Exegetical Guide functions when you get Logos 5 Bronze, but the BDAG lexicon comes in base packages Platinum and above.

Last week was a bit of a blur for lots of us at Logos, but one thing is clear: everyone’s excited about Logos 5. So excited that Logos.com had to add two new Web servers after we crashed Thursday morning, and even then, we could barely keep up with the demand. You’ve been calling in, tweeting, sharing, pinning, and posting in the forums about how awesome Logos 5 is—thanks!

When I started playing with Logos 5 a few weeks ago, I was thrilled. I still get excited every time I open it. So do my friends in seminary. So do our pastors. So do the thousands of people who have jumped on board with Logos 5 since we launched.

If you haven’t upgraded to Logos 5 yet, you’re seriously missing out.

1. Amazing features

Upgrading to Logos 5 gives you access to remarkable new ways to explore and understand the Bible, whether it’s studying the Bible by topic, browsing all of Christian history on the Timeline, or examining the nuances of Greek and Hebrew with the Bible Sense Lexicon—and these are only a few of the remarkable new features in Logos 5!

2. More books

Logos 5 base packages are brand-new: not only do they all have new features, but they also include new books. We didn’t just throw a few more titles into the existing base packages—we took them apart and rebuilt them from scratch, making sure each package had books that complemented its new features. When you upgrade, you keep all the books you currently own and infuse your library with even more books that fit your Bible study needs.

3. New interface

Logos 5 just looks cool. It’s easy to navigate, and it gives you exactly what you need. It’s elegant and intuitive, and it’s no surprise that everyone else wants in on it.

4. Awesome discount

The Custom Upgrade Discount Calculator analyzes your current Logos library and creates a discount tailored to you. You only pay for what’s new to your library. You never lose your current Logos library. You keep your titles from Logos 4, Libronix, and any earlier version of Logos. In fact, your discount reflects your purchase history. Now throw a payment plan for up to 18 months into the mix, and you’re left with a phenomenal deal on phenomenal software.

When I started writing this post, I was a little worried that one of my coworkers would look over my shoulder and snicker at how excited I sound. I didn’t have to be, though. Everyone is excited about Logos 5—my coworkers, my church group, my friends, the thousands of brand-new Logos 5 users, and me. And with a lineup of reasons like these, you should be excited about upgrading, too.

For those of you who have Logos 5 already: did I leave out any good reasons to upgrade? Let me know in the comments!

Knox Theological Seminary’s DMin in Preaching and Teaching is a sure-fire way to equip yourself for lifelong ministry. You may have heard about the program when we announced it in May, but just to recap, here’s why this particular Doctor of Ministry is a big deal:

You’ll learn world-class theology with the best Bible software on the planet—Logos.

The next two onsite classes are gearing up in October. These courses delve into theology from a unique standpoint: thattheology is just as much art as it is science.

The Art of Exegetical Theology in Preaching

October 15–19 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL

This class shows you how to analyze the text, but it doesn’t stop there. You’ll move beyond analyzing the text to examine the beautiful structure of the entire biblical canon. In this course, you’ll develop a firm grasp of the following practices:

Analyzing details in context of the “big picture”

Recognizing recurring themes throughout the Word

Working with different forms of biblical text

Identifying biblical symbolism

Implementing exegetical theology into preaching

The class is a fine way to start your doctorate, but why stop with just one course when you can knock out two?

Biblical Theology and Preaching That Inspires

October 22–26 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Building on the previous class, this course focuses on developing your knowledge of the Scriptures and equipping you to proclaim them powerfully. You’ll learn to express the Word of God in ways that stir up your congregation to rejoice. You’ll communicate sound doctrine—doctrine that grounds your followers in the truth and motivates them to know more.

Learn Theology through Technology

As you work through these courses, you’ll use your own Logos Bible Software 4: Portfolio Editionlibrary to dig into the text. Portfolio is included in the price of the program; plus, your entire DMin curriculum is based in Logos, which gives you some considerable academic advantages.

More than 1,600 books—worth nearly $30,000 in print

$1,000 of credit for books from Logos.com

Training in how to use Logos for scholarly research

Sources that cite themselves when you copy–paste

All your textbooks on your Mac, PC, and mobile devices

A massive library to use for lifelong ministry

The Knox DMin in Preaching and Teaching gives you all this and more. You can learn more about the program professors, how Portfolio works into the degree, and the courses themselves at DMin.me, which is where you need to go to apply for these fantastic classes. The deadline to register is September 17, so save your seat today and learn to approach theology as both science and art.

Faithlife is where Christian community happens online. There’s no place quite like it for sharing life with other believers. You keep up with friends on Facebook. You manage your messages with email. If you have a band, you (might) still be on MySpace. Now there’s a place to connect with your church, your friends, and your school over what’s most important: God and his Word.

Don’t Forget the FSB!

Faithlife is a community wrapped around the Word, so we’ve developed a study Bible for the community. The Faithlife Study Bible is ever growing, mobile-friendly, group-focused, and huge—it’s the largest study Bible in the world. The FSB is compatible with several different translations, it includes a built-in Bible dictionary, and it lets you share notes and reading plans with your Faithlife groups.

How to Join

Sign in at Faithlife.com with your Logos account. If you don’t have an account already, register a new account for free. (If you have had a Logos.com account for a while but have forgotten your password, you can go to Logos.com/forgotpassword to reset it.) Then complete your profile with a picture and more information about you. It’s totally private—you control what can and cannot be seen. Once your profile’s set up, find your church’s Faithlife group, or start creating your own groups.

Faithlife is always improving with updates and new features. Do you know a way to make it better? Do you want to talk to other Faithlife users? Why not get involved on the Faithlife forum?

Logos 4: Portfolio Edition—$4,290 (Actually, this massive library would cost over $35,000 if you were to purchase every title in print!)

Logos book credit—$1000

Estimated total value—$20,000+

A Doctorate like No Other

Even without the scholarship, the DMin in Preaching and Teaching is an amazing opportunity to take your ministry to new heights. It’s the only doctorate program out there that will train you in both world-class theology and first-class technology. You’ll learn from brilliant biblical scholars, including preaching and teaching authority Dr. Haddon Robinson and NIV and NASB translator Dr. Bruce Waltke. You’ll emerge an expert in biblical study and teaching, equiped with your own enormous Logos library for powerful lifelong ministry.

These are just a few reasons every pastor or Bible teacher should invest in a Knox DMin, but there are many more.

Last Chance to Win—Class Starts Soon!

The first onsite class is in Bellingham, Washington, this August. Apply at DMin.me by June 30 to enroll for the class—don’t miss this chance to bring new depth and breadth to your ministry.

A good study Bible will have millions of words, thousands of study notes, and lots of maps, timelines, charts, and more. But all those pages add up; there’s only so much you can put in a printed study Bible.

That’s not an issue anymore, though. The new Faithlife Study Bible is the world’s largest study Bible, and you can take it anywhere!

The FSB Has It All

We’re reinventing the study Bible for the digital age. While print study Bibles are limited to a few study notes per page, the digital FSB provides much, much more:

And it’s always growing! We’re constantly expanding the FSB with new study notes, dictionary articles, images, and more. And no matter how huge it gets, you’ll always be able to carry it around with the Faithlife Bible apps for your iPad, iPhone, and Android devices.

The FSB Is Perfect for Groups

The Faithlife Study Bible isn’t just big; it’s also the best study Bible for groups. The FSB makes it easy for churches, schools, and your own groups of friends to dig deeper together.

Pick your translation. Most study Bibles are only available in specific translations, but the FSB’s study notes are anchored to the original biblical languages. So whether you’re using the ESV, KJV, NIV, or another preferred translation, you can see the same notes!

Share notes and reading plans. The FSB connects with your groups on Faithlife, so you can share thoughts and reflections on Bible passages. And if your group is reading through the Bible in a year, you can share a reading plan that keeps you all on track. Of course, these plans sync with your own Logos reading plans.

Share sermons and lessons. Document sharing is easy with the FSB, too. Put your sermon outlines, course syllabi, and more up for your groups to see.

Get the FSB Free through 2014

Try the world’s largest, most advanced study Bible free through March 2014. The FSB would usually cost $29.95 per year, but with coupon code FREE, you can use it free for the first two years! Once you’ve subscribed to the FSB, download the app so you can access it on your mobile devices. Don’t forget to tell your friends about this tremendous opportunity to dig deeper together with this revolutionary new study Bible.

Logos and Knox have launched the Haddon Robinson Scholarship, which covers your entire DMin. If you were to add up all the individual things the scholarship covers, you’d have a total value of over $20,000, but that’s just the big picture. Here’s a look at everything the scholarship entails.

Your Tuition ($12,750)

The three-year Knox DMin in Preaching and Teaching will train you to study theology as both a science and an art. You’ll learn from some of the world’s finest biblical scholars, including NIV and NASB translator Dr. Bruce Waltke and, of course, Dr. Haddon Robinson, one of Christianity Today’s “Top 25 Most Influential Preachers.” Here’s a look at just some of the courses the Haddon Robinson Scholarship will cover.

Enriching Preaching through Logos Bible Software
You’ll become a Logos expert. This course teaches you to use Logos Bible Software to access thousands of illustrations and sermon texts and craft structured, powerful messages.

The Art of Exegetical Theology in Preaching
You’ll learn how the Bible speaks—not simply what it speaks. This course develops an awareness of themes that span the entire Bible.

Preaching Christ in All the Scriptures
You’ll hone your skills in preaching the message of the Messiah from the Old and New Testaments alike.

Your Own Portfolio Library ($4,290)

Each Logos base package gives you a library of resources and high-tech tools for better Bible study. Logos 4: Portfolio Edition is the biggest base package we’ve got. Every student’s Portfolio is included in the DMin program price, so with the Haddon Robinson Scholarship, it’sfree. If you win the scholarship, you’ll get an enormous theological library (more than 1,600 books worth over $35,000 in print) at no cost!

47 Bibles and interlinears

482 commentaries

48 preaching and teaching resources

232 theological books

86 original language grammars and tools

Hundreds and hundreds more resources!

Fees ($2,750)

This is the boring stuff: graduation fees, transcript fees, etc. You don’t have to worry about them, though; the Haddon Robinson Scholarship covers all these, too.

Logos Book Credit ($1,000)

Most of the books for this program are included in the massive Portfolio library, but you might need to pick up a few handy reference books or biographies for further research. That’s why Logos includes a $1,000 book credit in the program cost. With your academic discount, you can stretch this credit out to get far more than $1,000 worth of Logos resources. It’s already a fine deal for students, but the Haddon Robinson Scholarship waives the cost entirely.

Win the Haddon Robinson Scholarship

You’ve got the opportunity to earn your doctorate for free—don’t let it pass you by. Enter to win the scholarship before June 28. On August 17, a winner will be selected to receive the entire DMin in Preaching and Teaching from Knox at no cost.

Knox Theological Seminary and Logos Bible Software have teamed up to provide the one-of-a-kind Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Teaching—the optimal degree for deepening your knowledge of Scripture and advancing your ministry to new heights. Getting your doctorate is a huge commitment, and depending on the school, it can be staggeringly expensive.

You’ll learn from some of the world’s foremost Bible scholars, including Dr. Haddon Robinson, one of Christianity Today’s “Top 25 Most Influential Preachers.”

You’ll become a Logos expert—we’ll train you in the use of our software.

You’ll be equipped to teach, preach, and lead the Church in the digital age.

You’ll get your own Portfolio Edition—our largest base package—included in the price.

You could win your entire DMin education for free!

A $20,000 Value—Free!

The Haddon Robinson Scholarship lets you earn your Doctor of Ministry at no cost. It covers the whole shebang:

Tuition—$12,750

Fees—$2,750

Logos 4: Portfolio Edition—$4,290 (Actually, this massive library would cost over $35,000 if you were to purchase every title in print!)

Logos 4 book credit—$1000

Estimated total value—$20,000+

The scholarship is named for Dr. Haddon Robinson, one of the faculty members you’ll learn from in the Knox/Logos DMin program. Preaching Magazine named him one of the 25 most influential preachers of the past 25 years in 2010. He was ranked by Christianity Today in the top 10 of its “Top 25 Most Influential Preachers” from 1956–2006. A 1996 Baylor University poll named him as one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English-speaking world, and in 2008 he received the E. K. Bailey Living Legend Award.

The Haddon Robinson Scholarship could be your ticket to getting your DMin for free—and becoming a stronger preacher and teacher yourself!

How to Get the Haddon Robinson Scholarship

It’s simple: enter to win before June 28. On August 17, a winner will be selected to receive their entire Knox DMin in Preaching and Teaching at no cost.

Unfortunately for grads that plan to enter vocational ministry, these have nothing to do with their future in Bible college, seminary, preaching, or teaching. But you can give them something that will set them up for lifelong ministry! We’ve put together four graduation gift ideas for the grad who wants the best in Bible study tools.

(15% off through June 14 with coupon code Grad01)

This 900+ page collection deals with questions about God’s love—something that’s often distorted in today’s popular culture—by bringing together three books by noted evangelical scholar Donald A. (D. A.) Carson. The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God looks at God’s love from a biblical perspective and really digs into this vitally important doctrine. For the Love of God volumes 1 and 2 each offer systematic 365-day plans that take readers through the New Testament and Psalms twice and the rest of the Old Testament once using the M’Cheyne Bible-reading schedule.

(50% off through June 14 with coupon code Grad02)

Francis Schaeffer deeply affected a generation of readers; this is the definitive edition of his books. This set includes 22 titles divided into five areas of study: Christian views on philosophy and culture, the Bible’s truth, spirituality, the church, and the West.

(15% off through June 14 coupon code Grad03)

Most people slip by in life without a passion for God, living for comfort and pleasure. In this book, John Piper warns readers not to get caught up in a life that counts for nothing.
These deals end soon, so don’t wait—give your grad the world’s best Bible software today and set them up for future ministry! Check out all these deals and more graduation gift ideas at our graduation gifts page .

Moving On to Doctorate Studies?

If you and/or your grad are looking to enhance your ministry and get that “Dr.,” now’s the time to check out the new Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Teaching from Logos and Knox Theological Seminary. If you applyby June 1, Logos will fly you to your first onsite class free!

All these deals end soon, so don’t wait—give your grad the world’s best Bible software today and set them up for future ministry! Check out all these deals and more graduation gift ideas at our graduation gifts page.